NAHL announces Bauer Hockey Divisional Stars of the Week
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Divisional Stars of the Week presented by Bauer Hockey for the week ending February 2, 2020. The Divisional Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2019-20 regular season that honors the top performing players in each of the four NAHL divisions. Only players that are nominated by their respective teams are considered for the Divisional Players of the Week award.
Watch: NAHL Stars of the Week video for Jan. 27-Feb. 2
Central Division Star of the Week: Dan Russell, Forward, Minot Minotauros
Minot forward Dan Russell, 18, helped his team pick up three of a possible four points in a weekend series with Austin to stay in the thick of the Central Division playoff race. The 5’9/145 lbs. native of Traverse City, Michigan and Michigan State recruit had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 shootout loss on Friday and the game-winning goal in Saturday’s 5-2 win. For the season, Russell has 23 points in 35 games played. “Dan continues to contribute every weekend. He’s slight in stature, but competes hard, wins a lot of puck battles, and has a good skill set. His line has made big plays when we’ve needed them to and are consistently on the scoresheet. He will be relied on heavily down the stretch as we enter the final third of the regular season,” said Minot head coach Marty Murray.
2nd Star: Hugh Larkin, F, Austin Bruins
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Jake Beaune, D, Aberdeen Wings – Clayton Cosentino, F, Aberdeen Wings – Kyler Kleven, F, Minot Minotauros – Sam Martel, D, Bismarck Bobcats – Andrew Miller, G, Bismarck Bobcats – Josef Mysak, D, Austin Bruins – Ryan O’Neil, F, St. Cloud Blizzard
East Division Star of the Week: Brayden Stannard, Forward, Maryland Black Bears
Maryland Black Bears forward and Nebraska-Omaha recruit Brayden Stannard, 17, posted some big numbers as Maryland split their weekend home series against Jamestown. The 6’3/185 lbs. native of Bark River, Michigan, had a hat-trick, including the game-winning goal, and an assist in a 4-2 win on Friday. On Saturday, he picked up an assist in a 3-2 loss, but finished the weekend with a +5 rating. For the season, Stannard is 4th in team scoring with 32 points in 40 games played. “Brayden has been a consistent performer for us all season long. He keeps improving and is really starting to become an impact player for us. We look forward to seeing how much more he is capable of at this level,” said Black Bears head coach Clint Mylymok.
2nd Star: Sutton McDonald, F, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Luke Antonacci, D, Maine Nordiques – Kyle Jeffers, F, New Jersey Titans – Anthony Mastromonica, F, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights – Eric Olson, F, Jamestown Rebels – Michael Outzen, F, New Jersey Titans – Kevin Pitts, F, Maine Nordiques – Alex Tracy, G, Johnstown Tomahawks – Janis Vizbelis, F, Jamestown Rebels
Midwest Division Star of the Week: Robert Christy, Forward, Minnesota Magicians
The Minnesota Magicians and forward Robert Christy, 18, stayed in the Midwest Division playoff hunt thanks to a weekend home-and-home sweep over the St. Cloud Blizzard. The 6’1/185 lbs. native of St. Paul, Minnesota, had the game-winning goal and an assist in a 3-2 road win on Friday and then had two goals and an assist in a 5-3 home win on Saturday. For the season, the Colorado College commit has played in 25 games and recorded 18 points, including a team-leading 12 goals. “We are very happy to see consistent production coming from Rob at a time where we are making a playoff push. Rob brings great energy to the group and we are excited to see what he can do down the stretch,” said Magicians head coach AJ Bucchino.
2nd Star: Matt Koethe, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Dylan Abbott, D, Fairbanks Ice Dogs – Jake Hale, F, Minnesota Magicians – Carter Hottman, F, Janesville Jets – Carson Jones, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Zach Krajnik, F, Kenai River Brown Bears – Isaac Novak, F, Janesville Jets – Jonathan Panisa, F, Springfield Jr. Blues – Logan Ritchie, F, Kenai River Brown Bears
South Division Star of the Week: Max Klanow, Forward, Odessa Jackalopes
Odessa Jackalopes forward Max Klanow, 18, played a big role in helping his team split their weekend home series against Shreveport. The 5’10/175 lbs. native of Holly, Michigan, had five points during the weekend and was a +3. On Friday, Klanow picked up an assist on Odessa’s lone goal of the night in a 3-1 loss. On Saturday, he had two goals and two assists in a 6-3 win, helping his team snap a 22-game slide. For the season, Klanow has six points in 24 games with the Jackalopes and nine points in 39 games overall. “Max had a great weekend and was a big part of our win Saturday night. His constant hard work was rewarded on the scoresheet and we look forward to trying to build on the momentum from our win,” said Jackalopes interim head coach Adam Phillips.
2nd Star: Austin McCarthy, F, Topeka Pilots
Honorable Mention (alphabetical): Alex Dominique, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Quinn Green, F, Topeka Pilots – Isaiah Huempfner, F, Odessa Jackalopes – Drew Lorinchak, F, New Mexico Ice Wolves – Brett Postula, F, Amarillo Bulls – Niclas Puikkonen, F, Amarillo Bulls
